Biblical figure
Mary of Bethany
Sister of Martha and Lazarus of Bethany; anointed Jesus' feet with costly perfume in preparation for His burial.
Family & dates
Scripture references
Notes & controversies
- Some traditions (especially older Western ones) identify Mary of Bethany with the unnamed 'sinful woman' of Luke 7:36-50 or with Mary Magdalene; most modern scholars treat these as three distinct women since the Gospels never equate them.